Biotin deficiency

Biotin deficiency is rare due to bacterial synthesis in the gut. Those at risk include infants with inherited deficiency disorders, babies fed biotin-deficient formula diets, those who eat large amounts of raw egg whites which inactivate biotin, and those who are fed intravenously.

Symptoms include hair loss, a scaly red rash around the nose, mouth and other body openings, conjunctivitis, anemia, high cholesterol, loss of appetite, nausea, lethargy, muscle pain, and tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. Mental symptoms include intense depression, sleeplessness and hallucinations. In infants, symptoms include seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap), developmental delay and a lack of muscle tone. Biotin deficiency also affects the functioning of the immune system. A recent animal study showed a decrease in white blood cell function with biotin deficiency.